Remembering Rose Zappala

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Rose Zappala, our longtime Shipperations Manager, passed away earlier this week. Her loss is a deep tragedy for us, her family and all who knew and cared about her. You can find her obituary and information about services here.

Rose was a key part of the team here at SCW for nearly 30 years. She was in the process of moving to a new job shortly before she passed. Fortunately, we had a lovely celebration of Rose and her work here before her untimely passing.

Below are thoughts from several of us who worked with Rose for years.

Oh Rose...we both started working at SCW in 1997...we shared a sweet solidarity of really thinking we turned this business around!!  Rose was the sunshine with a healthy dose of curmudgeon...I learned a lot from working with you. You are in my stars...I love you. 
          -Karen, "curmudgeon in training"

Through hard times, and good times, we were a team! Figuring it out, and keeping it going.
You will be dearly missed...
          - Randy

Rose often said that SCW was the Island of Misfit Toys. I think she meant that we are all a little weird, but that weirdness helped bind us together as a community. I worked with Rose for over 17 years, full of laughter, gossip, venting, printer jams and trying to make sure all the orders got to where they were supposed to go.  I can't believe you're gone, I'm going to miss you so much!
          - Kim

One of the last things I said to Rose was that she was the linchpin that kept our Shipperations Department together. She was super funny and we many insightful and amusing conversations. We had a lot more in common than I ever would have imagined. I will miss her random texts and her appreciation of me and the work I've done. It was a pleasure to work side by side with her, and to call her a friend. She will be truly missed. God Bless and farewell to you Rose.
           - Nick

Rose and I bonded over several things in the five years that I have been working here.  She loved to spoil our dogs – Suzy, Marmalade, and Finley will all miss her treats very much.  We loved to watch funny videos together.  During our busy season when Rose would get highly stressed I would try to start her day with a funny video or two to get her laughing and make her day a little better. We both loved sports, I was  hoping to get her to a Crunch Hockey game this season but it never happened.  She was a good coworker and a great friend.  I will miss her very much.
          - Lisa K

I greatly admired your devoted caregiving for your mother and father over many years. Here at Syracuse Cultural Workers you were the steady, consistent presence who kept things together downstairs. Your depth of knowledge about the business, our products and our customers was impressive. Your customer care matched your parental care, and you often provided a listening ear for isolated elder activists. May your memory be a blessing to all who knew you.
          -Andy

Rest in peace Rose!